Veteran actress Sushmita Mukherjee has shared her perspective on how Bollywood's casting process has evolved over the years. In a recent conversation, the actress highlighted the growing opportunities for performers who do not necessarily fit traditional ideas of beauty, saying that actors with different appearances and body types are now getting substantial roles.
At 61, Sushmita has continued to explore varied characters rather than limiting herself to conventional leading-lady roles. Her latest appearance in Yami Gautam's film Nayyi Navelli, in which she plays an 82-year-old grandmother, is another example of her willingness to take on challenging parts.
The actress also reflected on her training, the changing approach to acting and the increasing importance of realistic performances in contemporary cinema.
Sushmita Mukherjee Says She Never Wanted to Be a Heroine
Speaking about her journey as an actor, Sushmita explained that she graduated from the National School of Drama (NSD), where she received formal training in acting. She said her ambition was never restricted to becoming a conventional heroine.
Instead, she wanted to explore different characters and understand the various layers of human behaviour through performance.
The actress described a character as a small piece of a larger human experience that she wants to understand and portray. This approach has allowed her to move between comedy, negative roles and supporting characters throughout her career.
Her comments also explain why she is comfortable playing characters much older than her actual age. Rather than focusing on screen image or conventional leading roles, she prefers parts that offer an opportunity to demonstrate her acting abilities.
61-Year-Old Actress Plays an 82-Year-Old Grandmother
One of the highlights of Sushmita's recent work is her role in Nayyi Navelli, which features Yami Gautam. The actress plays an 82-year-old grandmother who speaks English, having learnt the language from her grandson's wife.
Discussing the character, Sushmita explained that she enjoyed the opportunity to portray someone with a different personality and background.
The role reflects the kind of character-driven opportunities she has consistently sought throughout her career. It also demonstrates how actors can move beyond age-based expectations when filmmakers offer them distinctive parts.
Her performance is part of a wider ensemble that includes experienced performers in supporting roles.
Sushmita Mukherjee on Changing Casting Trends in Bollywood
One of the most interesting aspects of the interview was Sushmita's observation about the changing casting process in Hindi cinema.
She pointed out that younger professionals are increasingly involved in auditions and casting decisions. According to her, casting is no longer simply about selecting familiar actors from earlier generations. Filmmakers now pay attention to whether performers fit the family relationships and character requirements of a particular story.
She also highlighted a shift in the industry's approach to appearance.
Sushmita observed that actresses with different skin tones and body types, including women who are fair, dark-skinned or plus-sized, are getting good roles. She suggested that conventional beauty standards are no longer the only consideration when selecting performers.
The actress also noted that supporting characters have become more important. Earlier, leading actors were often presented as the primary attractive faces, while the rest of the cast played secondary roles. Today, supporting performers are increasingly getting opportunities to make a strong impression.
Realistic Acting Has Replaced the Earlier Style
Sushmita also compared contemporary acting styles with those prevalent during the earlier decades of Bollywood.
She recalled that performances in the past were often more exaggerated or loud. In contrast, she believes modern films increasingly favour realistic acting and more natural character portrayals.
According to the actress, Nayyi Navelli also incorporates several realistic elements.
She further observed that the film industry's relationship with audiences has changed because of the internet and social media. During the 1980s and 1990s, audiences did not have immediate access to the same volume of information about films and their performance.
Today, box-office results and audience reactions become visible much faster after a film's release. This has made the industry more transparent and increased the pressure on filmmakers to understand audience expectations.
Sushmita Mukherjee Questions Bollywood's Big-Budget Formula
The actress also expressed concern about the performance of some expensive productions. She pointed out that Bollywood continues to make films with budgets running into hundreds of crores, but large investments do not automatically guarantee success.
She referred to Hanuman as an example while discussing the need to explore different kinds of cinema.
Her broader observation was that filmmakers should look beyond the familiar formula of expensive productions and pay attention to storytelling and fresh approaches.
Sushmita Mukherjee's comments offer a perspective shaped by decades of experience in the industry. From changing casting practices to realistic performances and the importance of supporting actors, her observations highlight how Bollywood continues to evolve.
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